Duration of residence permit
18.—(1) Subject to the following paragraphs and to regulations 20 and 22(2), a residence permit must be valid for at least five years from the date of issue.
(2) In the case of a worker who is to be employed in the United Kingdom for less than twelve but more than three months, the validity of the residence permit may be limited to the duration of the employment.
(3) In the case of a seasonal worker who is to be employed for more than three months, the validity of the residence permit may be limited to the duration of the employment if the duration is indicated in the document confirming the worker’s engagement or in a certificate of employment.
(4) In the case of a provider or recipient of services, the validity of the residence permit may be limited to the period during which the services are to be provided.
(5) In the case of a student, the residence permit is to be valid for a period which does not exceed the duration of the course of study; but where the course lasts for more than one year the validity of the residence permit may be limited to one year.
(6) In the case of a retired person or a self-sufficient person, the Secretary of State may, if he deems it necessary, require the revalidation of the residence permit at the end of the first two years of residence.
(7) The validity of a residence permit is not to be affected by absence from the United Kingdom for periods of no more than six consecutive months or absence from the United Kingdom on military service.